Scientists have developed a type of “biodegradable plastic,” expected to help reduce plastic pollution.
Polyurethane (commonly referred to as PU) is a widely used polymer plastic, from manufacturing phone cases to athletic shoes, but it is difficult to recycle and mostly ends up in landfills.
On the left is Polyurethane plastic, on the right is spore powder – (Photo: Han Sol Kim).
Researchers have recently proposed a solution that seems like science fiction but is entirely feasible.
By combining spores of plastic-eating bacteria, they have developed a type of plastic that can self-destruct.
The spores will remain dormant throughout the usage period of the plastic but will reactivate and begin to decompose the product when exposed to nutrients in compost.
Researcher Han Sol Kim from the University of California, San Diego, stated: “We hope to minimize plastic pollution in nature.”
Moreover, these spores also enhance the durability of the plastic.
“Our process makes the material sturdier, thereby extending its lifespan. Then, when it reaches the end of its life, we can eliminate it from the environment, regardless of how it is disposed of,” co-author of the study Jon Pokorski said.
He added that this type of plastic is currently being studied in the lab but could appear in the real world in the coming years, with the help of manufacturers.
Products made from Polyurethane – (Photo: Getty Images).
The bacteria added to the plastic is Bacillus subtilis, widely used as a food additive and probiotic. Importantly, the bacteria must be genetically modified to withstand the very high temperatures required for plastic production.
However, not everyone is convinced by the idea of developing biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics. Some scientists argue that it is better to reduce plastic use from the outset.
The latest round of negotiations at the United Nations regarding a future plastic treaty has just concluded in Canada, aiming to achieve a global agreement to address plastic pollution.
Professor Steve Fletcher, director of the Plastic Revolution Institute at the University of Portsmouth, stated that the most effective way to tackle plastic pollution is to unify legally binding measures to cut plastic production globally.
He told BBC News: “We need to be cautious with potential solutions like this, as they might give the impression that we should worry less about plastic pollution because any plastic that leaks into the environment will quickly decompose safely. However, this is not true for the majority of plastics.”
The research was published in the journal Nature Communications.
